A 90c carmine stamp from the National Bank Note Company issue of 1870-1871 has seen a dramatic increase on estimate in the auction of the Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used US Stamps.
The sale, which closed yesterday (October 24) in New York, saw many of the finest examples from Kirke's collection achieve impressive results.
 The 90c stamp was the first awarded the Superb 98 grading from PSE |
An early exponent of the PSE grading system, Kirke's collection focuses on the highest graded stamps possible, for which he has been awarded an impressive record of PSE Set Registry accolades.
The collection maintains an average grade of 99.33, with the auction house describing it as "the culmination of determined acquisitiveness and careful grading of each stamp."
The 90c carmine is a stunning example from the ungrilled National Bank Note Company issue.
Boasting wide margins, perfect centring and magnificent colour, the stamp is accented by a neat red three-bar cancellation and full perforations all around. It achieved the largest increase in value seen in the sale, selling 2,400% above its $400 estimate at $10,000.
 One of the finest of 13 recorded copies and six marginal examples |
More outstanding results were seen by a 5c red brown from the 1851-1856 issue. A fantastic corner margin example, it is undoubtedly one of the finest of the 13 recorded copies. It sold for $10,000, up 1,233% on its $750 valuation.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a fantastic selection of investment-grade stamps currently available, with some of the finest examples on the market. For more of the latest stamp collecting news, sign up to our free weekly newsletter.
